PredictMyPace | Portalnd Marathon Training

In this week's episode I will focus on five goals that I've encountered in my running years leading up to my marathon experience. These goals are very common among runners of various levels. Goals: 1. "Running My 1st Marathon",
2. "Running to improve my PR",
3. "Running for a Cause",
4. "Health Reasons",
5. "Future Running"
What are your goals?

Goal #1 "Running My 1st Marathon"

Things to take into account:

1. Understand your body and limitations, do an evaluation of your personal background. Have you done much running in past? What's the longest race you've completed? Evaluate your health and physical condition. What is your goal for your first marathon? Do you just want to finish? Or do you want to finish in some desirable time?

These are several questions that you must answer before you fully commit to your first marathon. Your answers will determine the path to follow. If running has not been part of your life it is recommended to give yourself more than 6 months to fully build up your physical and mental strength to complete your first marathon. Although it's possible to complete your first marathon within a 6 month off the couch type of approach, the experience of completing that first marathon is better if you take the extra step.

Understanding your current conditions will help you to better select a training program that will fit your needs as well as get you to the finish line injured free. The most important factor is staying injured free.